Published — May 22, 2021
The following post does not create a lawyer-client relationship between Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices (or any of its lawyers) and the reader. It is still best for you to engage the services of your own lawyer to address your legal concerns, if any.
Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.
After knowing what is EMIGRATION CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE, read also: DOCUMENTATION OF IMMIGRANTS
-
An Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) is a pre-departure document issued to foreign nationals
-
ECC is a proof that foreign nationals have no derogatory records in the Philippines
-
ECC is valid only for a month from the date of its issuance
The Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) is an important pre-departure document issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to foreign nationals who are holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas and are leaving the Philippines. It has two types, ECC-A (also referred to as Regular ECC) and ECC-B.
ECC-A is issued to departing foreign nationals to prove that they have no derogatory records in the country and have no pending obligations with the government at the time of the issuance. It may be secured at the main office of the Bureau of Immigration (BI Main Office) or in selected District Offices, Satellite Offices, Field Offices, One-Stop-Shop Offices and Extension Offices.
On the other hand, ECC-B is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-card) and are leaving the country temporarily. It is a single-use receipt issued to evidence their Special Return Certificate (SRC) or Re-entry Permit (RP) which is valid for one (1) year. It may be secured at the BI Main Office or in the airport upon departure.
Moreover, foreign nationals are warned against procuring fake and fraudulently issued ECCs from unauthorized private entities and individuals offering to provide this document. Any person found in possession of such spurious shall be charged for violating the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 or Commonwealth Act 613, as amended.
When may an Emigration Clearance Certificate be issued?
The law says:
Any alien about to depart from the Philippines temporarily or for permanent residence abroad shall, before leaving the country, apply to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration for an Emigration Clearance Certificate. If the Commissioner finds that the applicant has no pending obligation with the government and that there is no pending criminal, civil or administrative action which, by law requires his presence, in the Philippines, the Commissioner shall issue the certificate upon surrender of the alien of all the certificates previously issued to him by the Bureau of Immigration showing his admission and/or residence in the Philippines.
Please take note that an ECC is valid only for a month. This means that the foreign applicant has to leave the country within its validity. Otherwise, the applicant has to process it again.
Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices specializes in business law and labor law consulting. For inquiries, you may reach us at info@alburolaw.com, or dial us at (02)7745-4391/0917-5772207.
All rights reserved.
SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES!
[email-subscribers-form id=”4″]